Exopolysaccharides Produced by Streptococcus mutans Glucosyltransferases Modulate the Establishment of Microcolonies within Multispecies Biofilms

The data show that GtfB and GtfC are essential for establishment of the EPS matrix, but GTFB appears to be responsible for formation of microcolonies by S. mutans; these Gtf-mediated processes may enhance the competitiveness of S. Mutans in the multispecies environment in biofilms on tooth surfaces.